Butches

What is identity and how do we define ourselves? And how do others define and label us? The question of identity is a guiding motif in my work.

Identities may have the power to break boundaries, especially, when one does not fit into the accepted boxes of societies.

The LGBTQI community is known for the deconstruction of roles; however, it is not a free space without labelling and categories.

Butches are strong women, who do not fit in the role and expectations of other women. They are rarely featured in media or art, even though they have been around for ages. Often overseen, they had been criticised from feminists for taking over patriarchal benefits in trying to pass as masculine. If one thinks hard, one usually knows one person who refuses to wear a dress and might be mistaken for a boy or man, might be loud or good with tools, or shy and quiet. Some define themselves as female and claim their part in the spectrum of womanhood, others chose a male name, rather casually, or are happy to be beyond heteronormative binaries. In this series, Butches of Berlin are the centre of attention.